Tibet is used to be an inhospitable region, but lots of the
people want to travel there. With the transportation network build up,
it is easier to get to Tibet with different access. Rail, road, air all
are very convenient. The most popular way to enter Tibet now is taking
the train-the sky train. On the way, you can enjoy the unique high land
sceneries that you will miss by taking the flights.

Transportation
condition in Tibet has changed greatly since the liberation in 1951
when pack animals were the main mode of transportation in the region.
Now highways and airlines are connecting it to other regions of China.

Air:

Tibet
also opens both international and domestic airlines. You can take the
regular direct domestic flights from Chengdu (2hours' flying time),
Beijing (6hrs), Shanghai(8hrs), Chongqing (2hrs), Xi’an (3hrs),
Guangzhou(5hrs) and Kunming (4hrs)to Tibet. The international route is
from Kathmandu 2hours flying (capital of Nepal). Gongga Airport Tibet is
at the Gongga County in the south of Lhasa 100 kilometers away. It
takes around 2 hours’ driving from Lhasa.:

Lhasa Gonggar Airport:

Planes
are by far the fastest means to move to the Roof of the World. There
are two airports in Tibet while Gonggar airport connects Lhasa, hence
Tibet, with Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Chongqing, and even Katmandu and
Hong Kong. There is no air route within Tibet at present. Traveling by
air into Tibet will surely brings visitors unique and thrilling
experience. Just imagine that you are above the world highest snow and
cloud clad peaks! However, since planes travel fast and there is little
time for acclimatization.

Tibet railway:

Tibet Railway has already been open to traffic since July 1, 2006. Now travelers can make convenient access to Tibet by train.

Lhasa Railway Station

Train from West Beijing to Lhasa

Highways:

There are five highways in Tibet.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway:

Sichuan-Tibet
highway is the longest, 2413 kilometers (1496 miles) long, built in
1950 and opened for traffic in 1954. The roads ply the uneven terrain
over 14 mountains which average 4000-5000 meters (13120-16400 feet)
high, and over a dozen of famous rivers such as Lantsang River (Mekong).
The climate along the road presents beautiful scenery ranging from
spring to winter. However, the road condition is not good.

Liuwu Long-Distance Bus Station in Lhasa:

Qinghai-Tibet
Highway starts from Golmud of Qinghai, the only road providing bus
service among the five highways and the main road to travel Tibet. 1160
kilometers (720 miles) long and averaging 4000 meters (13120 feet) high,
along Kunlun Mountains and vast grassland, which amaze people living in
modern civilization, the bituminous road is the best road leading to
Tibet.

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway:

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway
starts from Yecheng in Xinjiang. It runs 1455 kilometers (902 miles),
winding its way among fives mountains soaring more than 5000 meters
(16400 feet) high above the sea level. A spectacular view of Mt. Kailash
and Lake Manasarova overwhelm travelers while traveling along the road.

Chinese-Nepalese
Highway is another main road traveled often. It stretches 900
kilometers (558 miles) from Kathmandu to reach Shigatse and Lhasa.

Among
the five highways, only Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Chinese-Nepalese
Highway are open to foreigners at present. Inside Tibet, there are now
regular buses shuttling between major towns.

Transportation within Tibet:

transportation in Tibet Considering the features of Tibetan tour, the best way is to rent certain kind of vehicle.

In general, the prices for renting vehicles are as below (they may change according to seasons):

Ordinary import cross-country vehicle: RMB3-3.50/km

Luxury import cross-country vehicle: RMB3.50-4.50/km

Mini bus for 20 persons: RMB5.50-6.50/km

Large
bus for 40 persons: RMB5.50-6.50/km Besides, exploring and traveling in
remote or depopulated areas, you’d better be equipped with a reserve
car to secure rear service. On the one hand, for the transportation of
food, tents and fuels; on the other hand, it may help to rescue when
other cars are in danger.

In downtown Lhasa, there are many buses
and all the tickets are sold for RMB2.00. It’s convenient to reach each
scenic spot. Taxi drivers don’t like the automatic calculator to
evaluate the cost and each ride will be charged with an average of
RMB10. It will cost more if it’s a little bit far, but you can bargain
with the driver.

Road conditions in Tibet:

Road
conditions in Tibet have also improved in recent years, especially in
the cities and roads between big cities. Most of the famous sightseeing
places have asphalt-paved road.

In Lhasa minibuses are the main
means of transportation and it is easy to hire a taxi. Pedicabs are
unique vehicles to tour around the city of Lhasa. Bikes can be easily
hired at Lhasa at most hostels. Inside Tibet, there are now regular
buses shuttling between major towns.

While getting to Lhasa
is straightforward, transport to some remote mountain areas or other
isolated religious destinations, such as Ngari prefecture, may not be
convenient. Public bus routes are not developed like those you see in
Beijing. The road gets bumpy and dusty. It will be even worse in rainy
seasons. If you are going to those places, renting a good quality Land
Cruiser from local travel agency is recommended. The price is judged by
day. The conditions of minor roads are only passable by jeeps. Due to
the rough road condition from Tingri to Everest Base Camp, 4WD plays
main role for Everest Base Camp tours.